Gopher in our yard, $500 fine or $500 relocation cost?!?

Question

I've no clue what category this should go under--don't care too much right now. So, here’s the crappy deal: We have a tortoise -- a gopher, a turtle, whatever -- in our front yard right next to the driveway. We park there. The hole it dug is only getting bigger and we want it out. The problem? The state says we cannot touch it, which I have no problem with and already know. However, they also say that it will COST US to relocate it! $500 or more for a fine on touching it and/or mowing our lawn. $500 or more to relocate it! If our vehicles cave in on the darn thing, we get in trouble! We have no other place to park. What the heck do we do now??

Yes, I'm in Florida. In a county which is governed by hippies, or so it seems. Rather not have it run over since we're on the highway but can't afford the $500 either way. Cops come by all the time and we're right on the road. God forbid we even look at it, or so they make it seem. The gasoline idea seems to be the best as of yet.

Welcome to Florida, where saving wildlife costs you the week's food in your fridge.

Answer 1

I would bite the bullet and relocate it. If it is digging a hole, I assume it is going to lay eggs. Once the eggs hatch, there will be hundreds of $500 fines running around your yard waiting to get run over by the car or lawn mower.

We used to dip a piece of water hose in gasoline, then put the dipped end in a hole where a snake was and blow through the other end of the hose. This produced enough gasoline vapors to run the snake out of the hole. Don't douse the turtle with gas, but a little spill near the hole might convince it to leave.

Answer 2

I've never heard of protected gophers before so it must be a turtle and she's layed her eggs. I know that there are several species of turtles that are protected and you must have run into one. They go through great lengths here to protect them because there are so few left. Try to be patient, the eggs will hatch, and you will have done the responsible thing. Now if we all would do the responsible thing-it would certainly be a better world. It has to start somewhere . . .On the other hand, I've never heard of turtles, tortoises, or gohers digging big holes. . .you need to provide more info. . .And who is the they that say $500? You need to understand what people are telling you.

Answer 3

I would be more concerned about my driveway than a turtle. Fill in the hole with chat (rock for support). Call your local branch of government and have them send you a letter with their lettterhead explaining what your options are. They could be liable if there is not a relocation program offered by them or the state at no additional cost to you. Animal control should also take care of it or give you realistic options. Good Luck.

Answer 4

Well, i'd find out what they eat, then bait the little guy out and grab him, throw him in your car, and "relocate" him yourself to a protected park or something. A small game camera may help you figure out when he/she is active so you know when to bait it. The game camera can be bought online through cabela's or another outfitter. They are motion sensitive so don't aim it toward the road. Good Luck!

Answer 5

dude they are endangered species. I use to live in florida, which i assume you live. ANd there were mounds in peoples front yards which were kinda like staked and taped off around the perimiter. All you can do is have them relocated or learn to enjoy it hehe

Answer 6

flush it out of its hole with a hose on a rainy day and blame the rain, or pay the fine?

we had the same problem with a woodpecker, we just lit a cheap cigar and placed it in his hole, he didnt like the smell so he moved